(From left) Victoria University of Wellington V-C Grant Guilford and WITT CEO John Snook signed an MoU in November. WITT
Two prominent tertiary institutes in New Zealand -- Victoria University of Wellington and Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki (WITT) -- have decided to collaborate with the aim to develop capability and outreach in the renewable energy sector.
Victoria University of Wellington vice-chancellor Grant Guilford and WITT CEO John Snook have signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the university in Wellington in November.
As part of the agreement, both the institutes will be supporting programmes and micro-credentials; collaboration between staff, students and others; shared research and facilities; and secondary school outreach in the field of renewable energy.
Victoria University’s dean of Engineering Dale Carnegie said the university is delighted to announce this joint initiative with WITT centred on the renewable energy sector. This partnership will help develop innovative solutions to reduce New Zealand’s carbon footprint, Carnegie added.
The collaboration combines the collective skills and expertise of both the institutes and brings together an accomplished team focused on solving one of the great challenges of the coming decades, the dean said.
The MoU has been vital in allowing advanced research, teaching and learning programmes to take place in Taranaki province as well as across New Zealand.
WITT CEO Snook said the agreement goes a long way in supporting the institute’s vision to bring transitional energy education to Taranaki, and position the province as an education energy centre of excellence in Aotearoa (Māori name for New Zealand), which is also in keeping with the vision of Cabinet minister Megan Woods.
WITT has been Taranaki’s leading provider of tertiary education since 1972. It is Taranaki’s only government-owned institute of technology and polytechnic with a rich history of producing graduates with the knowledge and skills to pursue and succeed in their chosen career. Each year, more than 5,000 students enrol at WITT in over 60 different qualifications, including degree courses, diplomas, other short courses and apprenticeships.
Victoria University of Wellington, formerly known as Victoria College, was founded in 1897. It is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most prestigious tertiary institutions with a 115-year tradition of academic excellence. In 1962, Victoria College became Victoria University of Wellington and has since grown into a network of campuses, research centres, institutes and partnerships worldwide.